Artest Rips USA Hoops

Jkbiker

Jkbiker

Starter
http://www.nypost.com/sports/artest_rips_usa_hoops_sports_evan_grossman.htm


September 10, 2006 -- Ron Artest continued his assault on USA Basketball last night, saying sneaker companies have too much of a say in who competed at the World Championships last month in Japan. Still smarting after not even getting a tryout for the squad, Artest also blamed politics for his being snubbed.

"They didn't even give me a chance to represent them," Artest said before last night's All-Star Classic for Wheelchair Charities at the Garden. "I was one of like 10 players in the league that came out and said I want to play, and they didn't even give me a chance to play."
While Artest has made it a mission to help Wheelchair Charities, an organization that provides specialized beds, wheelchairs and transportation for those in need, Knicks guard Stephon Marbury was a no-show at last night's annual fundraiser. Originally scheduled to appear, Marbury blew off the game so he could continue his sneaker-selling tour instead.



OMG, now we know why USA lost the Gold this year - Damn those sneaker company executives!!!!
 
Jkbiker said:
http://www.nypost.com/sports/artest_rips_usa_hoops_sports_evan_grossman.htm


September 10, 2006 -- Ron Artest continued his assault on USA Basketball last night, saying sneaker companies have too much of a say in who competed at the World Championships last month in Japan. Still smarting after not even getting a tryout for the squad, Artest also blamed politics for his being snubbed.

"They didn't even give me a chance to represent them," Artest said before last night's All-Star Classic for Wheelchair Charities at the Garden. "I was one of like 10 players in the league that came out and said I want to play, and they didn't even give me a chance to play."
While Artest has made it a mission to help Wheelchair Charities, an organization that provides specialized beds, wheelchairs and transportation for those in need, Knicks guard Stephon Marbury was a no-show at last night's annual fundraiser. Originally scheduled to appear, Marbury blew off the game so he could continue his sneaker-selling tour instead.



OMG, now we know why USA lost the Gold this year - Damn those sneaker company executives!!!!
Click to expand...

no...but artest does have a point about who was selected. you've got nike stars james, anthony, and wade...add kobe bryant to that list, and that's a whole lotta sg/sf talent that demands use of the ball. this isn't the dream team. these guys aren't out there to share. they're out there to score. i'm not saying that ron artest is necessarily the answer to team usa's problems, but i do think team usa needs to mix in some proper role players in order for any kind of team chemistry to be formed.
 
Ok but in the end Artest should know better than to ask why he never got a try out... let's get some self perspective here.
 
I agree with Ron, and really think he should of gotten a chance at least.

It's unfortunate the people involved couldn't of realized to any degree how Ron has been since 2004. But, that's where ignorancy and lesser following comes into play.

Ron would of been awesome for the team, mainly being the defensive beast and bringing consistent energy and confidence in general. He would of been able to guard any position like he can in the NBA. Generally, mostly 2s and 3s, as the rest depends or is for different lengths. Always up for a challenge. But, much moreso with the 4s/5s in the international game because of the general style and size of the PF/Cs involved. The Scolas, Dirks, Gasols, Hermanns, Kleizas, Songailas, Diaws, Jianlins (sp), etc. Dirk and Gasol, who he has defended well in the NBA.

Also, just to say, I think Artest would of limited the fun that Santiago had in the 1st half of both games vs. the USA. Before being brought back down to earth like a rocket in the 2nd half ;). While lessening Jim Durham getting all excited for nothing. :)

I want to see Santiago have some fun in the NBA, btw. Wolves were rumored to be picking him up in some form. Not quite the type of big they should be looking at though.
 
Of course its well known that the way to get yourself a shot in the fiture is to shoot off your mouth and insult the entire process from the outside. :rolleyes:

The again wisdom and Ron are a twain that seldom shall meet.
 
To be honest, Ron Artest makes a great point here. They said they were going out and making a team of complimentary players that play like a team. Yet, they did the EXACT same thing again! They built a team of superstar iso players that don't compliment eachother at all.
 
I agree to a degree ^.

They didn't have enough complimentary/team/hustle/defensive type players - they still could and should of looked into getting more of those players to get involved with the USAB program....

Udonis Haslem/James Posey/Antonio Daniels/Earl Watson (I've read he has a Mexican background, but not sure of what extent)/Mike Miller/Trenton Hassell (who isn't just a good defender)/Artest (yup)/Granger (he has legit offense aside from hustle points, and is quite mature for a rookie (part of that comes from his background), would of fit in with the building of the USAB program, etc.

I'd put Raja Bell there, but with his calf injury, I doubt he would of been considered, and I guess he's part of the virgin islands national team.

They had the bare mininum in that area with Battier/Brad Miller/Hinrich, and Joe Johnson in a few ways. Coach K didn't play Dwight Howard enough (GREECE), and Brad Miller barely at all.

I also still think Bruce Bowen would of been a nice addition to Team USA. The guy is a quality team-player who plays great and aggressive defense (he doesn't "hack" all the time either). Coach K should of played and thought about Bowen some more than he did.

The addition of Marion/Billups/Pierce/Kobe/Redd will help in 2008, though.
 
Last edited:
Bricklayer said:
Of course its well known that the way to get yourself a shot in the fiture is to shoot off your mouth and insult the entire process from the outside. :rolleyes:

The again wisdom and Ron are a twain that seldom shall meet.
Click to expand...

Well, he doesn't have anything to lose. The team is set for 08, and most likely Ron won't be an option for the next go round.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

VF21
Kings Notes: Artest rips into injury doubters
Replies
16
Views
2K
Kingster
Kingster
KingKong
Artest says he'll finish his career in Sacramento
2
Replies
55
Views
5K
nebs
nebs
VF21
LeBron James to join Team USA
2
Replies
31
Views
2K
LakerN49erChick05
L
Back
Top